PixlBit

I like the 360 controller. It just feels right ergonomically. The Game Cube controller was a surprising second, comfy and everything was intuitively placed.

Even if you never do anything with it other than enjoy learning about natural history, it's still worth it.

That fell into the "it's too old and isn't cool enough" category, unfortunately. Same with Susan Cooper's The Dark Is Rising series.

It's never too late, John. I recruited a volunteer in her fifties who is now an intern for one of our parks. You can take a master naturalist course that is cheaper than going back to school and won't take as long, and will give you a better education than college courses. I just googled PA Master Naturalist Program. The whole course costs $300.

Avatar: the Last Airbender is amazingly deep for a Nickelodeon series. My nephew convinced me to watch it three or four years ago. Kid has surprisingly good taste sometimes. That was the same year he convinced me to read the Percy Jackson series, and I can see why he likes them. Austin is severely dyslexic, and so is Percy Jackson. I am proud of the kid, reading is so difficult for him, yet he perserveres, soldiering through the entire Harry Potter series, all of the Percy Jackson books, and The Ranger's Apprentice series. I keep trying to get him to give Tom Sawyer and Treasure Island a try, but no joy. Oh, well.

Amazon :)

I'm getting back into photography after my depressed four years. That photo of the lighthouse doesn't do it justice, it was just a quick snap for this blog entry. The best time is sunrise, sunset, or a full moon. Especially when all the wild roses are in bloom or the sea is wild. But thanks for the compliment! As for dragonflies: they're fascinating! I think I'm addicted. I'm pretty sure I'll be doing a nature program about them next summer.

It gets easier the more you play. I've starred and sacked all of the non-versus levels on that planet, and if I can do it, you can do it!

Haven't watched any of the GoT series, not having access to cable. George RR Martin has no idea where he's taking the series, and it shows in the later books. I gave up after the fourth one, and Jason was turned off by whatever the most recent book was. I figure if he didn't like it, I probably won't. The Name of the WInd is probably my favorite work of fantasy since American Gods. I haven't read the second one yet, I was waiting for it to come out in paperback. Another series I've really been enjoying is Cherie Priest's Clockwork Century. I have the first three books - they have it all: airships, pirates, steampunk inventions, zombies, good writing, action, adventure, interesting characters, fun alternate history.

Having been deprived of it for so long, I LOVE TV! But I generally use it for movies or games these days, because I refuse to cough up the ridiculous sums of money demanded by the cable companies.